I’m not quite ready to declare victory tonight. But if we can believe the press release that is now appearing on Senator Fumo’s website—and if the Senate and House follow the Senator’s recommendations—then progressives and casino activists in the city are about to win a major victory, local control over zoning at the casino sites. Continue reading
If SB 862 passes, it’s time to play hardball. We can do so in two ways: a lawsuit challenging SB 862 or an effort to ban the casinos from using city water, sewer, police or fire services. Both ideas work for me, but I’m leaning toward the second. Continue reading
A little while ago the House adopted an amended version of SB 862 by a vote of 161-30. Some of the most objectionable features of SB 862 have been removed. Under the bill, the Gambling Control Commission will not be able to give away riparian rights to casinos and Philadelphia codes governing building, fire, water and sewer (but not smoking) will remain in force. The new zoning rules proposed in the Senate version of SB 862 have been eliminated. Instead, the Philadelphia zoning code as of the passage of Act 71 in July 2004 will remain in effect. The bad news is that the bill still preempts the city’s authority to revise and enforce zoning regulations. Continue reading
Those of us who care about the Delaware riverfront have been saying for years that we need a comprehensive plan for its development. After a long delay, Mayor Street recently created a good planning process for the Delaware Riverfront, that includes both community representatives and one of the best team of planning professionals in the city. However, that planning process may become moot because the future of the Delaware Riverfront may be determined in the next five legislative days in Harrisburg when Senate Bill 862 is considered by the House of Representatives. And it looks like the sponsors of SB 862 have had a plan for the waterfront all along, to recreate the Las Vega Strip on it. If we all act now, we can stop it. Continue reading
Those of us who care about the Delaware riverfront have been saying for years that we need a comprehensive plan for its development. After a long delay, Mayor Street recently created a good planning process for the Delaware Riverfront, that includes both community representatives and one of the best team of planning professionals in the city. However, that planning process may become moot because the future of the Delaware Riverfront may be determined in the next five legislative days in Harrisburg when Senate Bill 862 is considered by the House of Representatives. And it looks like the sponsors of SB 862 have had a plan for the waterfront all along, to recreate the Las Vega Strip on it. If we all act now, we can stop it. Continue reading
I was at the rally against Casino’s today and have to say I was impressed by how well it was organized and conducted. It was at the same spot where the first transit rally was held a few years ago. Not that long after the first transit rally we brought 4000 people from across the state. Given what I saw today, the anti-casino rally in Harrisburg will easily exceed 4000. This movement has been a long time coming. But as I will explain in this and some future posts, I am glad it is here. Continue reading
The Budd Company site, at the corner of Wissahickon and Hunting Park Avenues, is one of four potential sites in the city for a gambling casino. Residents from the immediately adjoining neighborhoods, Nicetown and East Falls, have joined together to oppose gambling at this location. I believe that residents and community associations throughout the Northwest ought to join our neighbors in this fight. Continue reading